Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-03-27
RAscALs IN DISGUISE.
How Tive Young Men successfully
worked the Pisus Racket.

INV wv AVhhs fs''-
wories the Pieus Racket.
A Weaverstown penn special says
For several days past two well-dressei
and, to alfappearance, highly-educated
young men have been canvassinS TINS
and adjoining towns for the sale OF a
preparation warranted to cure chrome
rheumatism. The young men wore the
conventional suit of broadcloth with
immaculate ties. They were fluent
but persuasive takers. and told the
plausible story Of their desire to com
plete college education already begun
but which had been interrupted by sick
ness, and thenceforvard devote them
selves to the salvation OF men. They
quoted chapters from the Bible, ana
dwelt particularly on the reward that
was in store for those who were chart
table. This eloquent appeal created
profound sympathy for the young stu
dents, and they were most cordially
welcomed whereyerthey went, receiving
not only the price of tue medicine, but
additional sums to help them to realize
their cherished hopes. The venture
proved successful in fact they were
reaping harvest.
The true character OF the pious
Young men was MOI revealed until 1t
was announced to-day that they had
robbed Jonas Long, man who had
taken special interest in them, and who
had contributed literally toward raising
money to enable them to complete
their studies. SO surprised were the
inhabitants hereabouts by the an
nouncement that they would not believe
the story until the truth was learned
from Mr.. Long himself.
1.-THE young men called last night, "
said Mr.. Long, "iust after dark, to ex-
press their gratitude and thank me in
person for the kind interest had
taken in their behalf. Their success,
they said, was mainly due to me, and
they intended to leave town in the
morning, and said they would go with
the deepest regret. Then, assuming
the most reverential attitude and raising
their eyes toward Heaven, they invoked
its choicest blessings onme and my
family"
Mr.. Long, who is deyout Christian,
was almost overwhelmed at the mani
festations of gratitude and the evident
sincerity OF the young men, and he
asked them to name the total amount
of money realized during their short
stay.
NINETY dollars, sir" vas the quick
reply:
Every well, then" said Mr.. Long,
81 will give you ten more to make the
even one hundred"
He arose from his chair and went up
stairs for the money, but had hardly
reached into the drawer for it when he
was seized and struck several times on
the head with something that appeared
soft, but was powerful enough to daze
him. After this he remembers nothing
except that the hands that grasped him
we're those of q powerful man. He Was
then bound and gagged.
Mrs. Long says that the moment her
husband went up stairs the light was
extinguished and she was bound hand
and foot, and a cloth or handkerchief
tied over hermouth. AS far as she can
recollect, one or two men came in and
went upstairs. The couple remained
bound until released by neighbors this
morning, who, seeing the house open
and no one around, went in TO invest-
gate. Mr.. Long cannot say exactly
what amount of money was taken, but
5000 to $500 may cover it. A gold
watch is also missing
The opinion prevails that the mis-
sion of the pretended students was to
find out who had money, and that con-
federates, by prior arrangement, were
on hand to do the work. 1t is thought
that while the students were enter
tanning the old couple down stairs, their
confederates gained an entrance to the
upstairs apartment.